I don’t know about you, but my to-do list is endless. I tick some things off, but more tasks keep appearing. I don’t think I will ever see the end of it. Somewhere deep on your list might be a note about booking in a family photoshoot – it’s one of those things that keeps getting shifted further down because the thought of getting everyone ready for the session is, frankly, a little overwhelming. I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that hard.

Having a family photoshoot can feel both exciting and daunting at the same time. If you have finally hit the booking button and you’re wondering how on earth you’re actually going to pull this off, you’re not alone. 

Before you frantically start searching “what to wear for family photos” or “how to make my kids behave at a photoshoot”, remember this first: these photos are for you. They don’t need to look perfect, they just need to reflect your reality right now. Sometimes that means joy, love and laughter and sometimes it means messy, beautiful chaos, and sometimes it’s everything all at once. And trust me, when everyone takes a deep breath and commits to being in the moment, that is when the most beautiful, honest photos of your family are made.

I’ve put together this short guide to help you arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy your time together. The right mindset and a few simple tips will make the session easy and stress-free for everyone.

When should we arrive for an outdoor family photoshoot?

Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your session time. That leaves room for traffic, parking and finding me, plus a few minutes to say hi and settle the kids and before we begin. A calm start helps everyone, and nobody has to rush.

What should we do the day before?

Lay out everyone’s clothes the day before, including shoes, socks and any accessories. It’s a good moment to check that colours and patterns sit well together, and it saves a scramble on the day. Try to get to bed on time so everyone gets plenty of rest the night before.

How should we prepare the kids on the day?

There’s nothing worse than tired, hangry kids at a photoshoot. Plan around naps and if your session is later, try to keep the rest of the day easy and calm, with nothing squeezed in right before we meet.

Make sure everyone is fed, hydrated, well and rested before you leave. Easy snacks such as fruit are handy to have in your bag, just in case. Sunset sessions are close to dinnertime, so a proper meal or a generous afternoon snack beforehand makes a big difference to how kids (and adults) feel. Bring a drink bottle and some insect repellent for dusk. If bedtime is close, pyjamas for the trip home and a snack in the car will make the evening easier. Having a favourite small toy can help kids feel more relaxed, it’s best to negotiate beforehand if it will feature in your photos or not.

If watching Bluey in the car means happy kids, that’s a worthwhile trade. Bribery and rewards can work quite well too!

What should we wear for family photos?

Wear what you love and feel comfortable in. Feeling like yourselves matters far more than following a formula, and kids will feel happiest in something that’s comfortable and easy to move in.

There’s a reason why people tend to choose neutral or earthy tones, natural fibres, soft textures and layers for their photos. These outfits photograph well and suit pretty much everyone. However, I always encourage everyone I photograph to choose clothing they really wear in everyday life. Feeling comfortable will help you relax, and when you’re relaxed your photos will look so much more natural!

There’s no need to match, just aim for tones and textures that sit well together. Strong clashing colours, busy patterns, big logos, bold graphics and lots of black tend to take over the frame and can be distracting. However, if you feel best in bold, bright clothes then go for it! It also helps if everyone wears clothes with a similar level of casual vs dressiness. That said, there are no hard rules, and if something feels right and reflects your family, wear it.

Let your kids help choose their own outfits – one day you might miss that purple tutu that they love so much they refuse to it take off. Fairy costumes and bare feet are welcome. It’s a good idea to bring a layer or two, because a warm, comfortable child is a happy one. A change of clothes is handy in case of any spills or mishaps.

It’s a best to empty pockets and leave phones, bags and anything else you don’t want visible in the photos safely in the car.

What happens if it rains or someone is sick?

If the weather looks questionable, I’ll contact you two days beforehand to talk through the options. On the day, I’ll make the final call so we get the best possible photos. If someone is unwell, send me a message and we’ll simply reschedule (Note: mini sessions may not be possible to reschedule). Real life is rarely perfect, and that’s part of what makes these photos meaningful.

What happens at an outdoor family photoshoot?

I photograph natural emotion and connection, with no awkward poses or fake smiles. We’ll meet at our agreed location a little before start time. I begin with a hello and take the time to introduce myself to your children, and I let them take the lead. I follow the natural rhythm of your family and leave plenty of space for the in-between moments to happen on their own.

We usually take a portrait of everyone together early on when everyone is still getting used to the idea of being photographed. I’ll make sure we capture any must-have photos first. I’ll chat with your kids about things like their favourite song or what they like best for dinner, and gently lead you towards play and movement or calm cuddles depending on the mood. I generally let things unfold naturally, so the session is all about your genuine connection with each other.

What if my kids won’t cooperate?

Your kids don’t need to behave perfectly or perform for the camera. A few days beforehand, talk to your kids about what will happen at our session. Let them know I’ll take some photos while they play, and that they don’t need to smile or pose for the camera unless they feel like it. Showing them a photo of me can help (there’s one here), so I’m a familiar face when we meet. It doesn’t matter if they muck around, tell fart jokes or have a meltdown. That’s normal. Some of the best photographs come from movement, noise, curiosity and unpredictability, so running, climbing, cuddling, chatting and wandering in and out of the frame are all welcome.

What should we do during the session?

The things you like to do in real life! Photographing outdoors means you get beautiful light and plenty of room for the kids to run and play. We can plan a couple of activities or simply go with the flow. Tickles, bubbles, cuddles, your favourite bushwalk, picnics, climbing trees, exploring rockpools, kicking a ball around, chasing each other, dancing to your favourite tunes or a game of hide and seek – something about this time in your lives that you really want to remember. At the session, I’ll have plenty of ideas up my sleeve so you never feel stuck wondering what to do next.

The best photographs happen when there’s no pressure and kids are able to be kids and parents are ready to be playful too. So be prepared to let go of expectations and give them your full attention – that’s when the magic happens!

What matters most?

It’s all about connection. You have full permission to play, cuddle, laugh, be silly, pick them up, dance around and simply be together. If your kids were perfectly posed and smiling at the camera the whole time, the photos wouldn’t feel like your real life. When you look at these photos in 20 years they should feel honest, meaningful and rich with memory.

I can’t wait to meet you and spend some time with your family.

Verity x

What Next: Read my article on how to have a family photoshoot where everyone actually enjoys themselves (including those who don’t like being photographed!).